How to look slim for the holidays!

Micaela Erlanger graduated from Parsons The New School for Design where she studied Design and Management. However, it was Micaela’s internship under one of the industry’s most influential stylists, Annabel Tollman, that opened her eyes ...

Lookin' good!

The holiday season is here! For many of us, that means six weeks or more of parties and thus a lot more food and drink than we typically consume! Start planning your holiday attire by choosing those outfits that fit you best, and then modify and accessorize to allow for the holiday indulgences. Follow my top five figure-flattering tips to look your slimmest from Thanksgiving 'til the New Year!

The underpinnings… Suck it in: Get yourself a shaper

OK ladies — let's face it. Our mothers, grandmothers and women throughout history have been wearing shapewear in one form or another. Why? Because women know that we can all use a little help fitting into that sheath and looking 10 pounds slimmer. With the technology today, shapers have reached new levels of sucking and shrinking while adding comfort.

I recommend choosing a high-waisted shaper that comes up right underneath the bust line. This helps keep everything nice and smooth. The Haute Contour line from Spanx is one of my secret weapons for tummy control. The powermesh and sleek spandex is GENIUS and holds everything in place. The best part? It’s actually comfortable!

Va Bien has a fabulous new shaper style called Smooth Couture High Waist (seen on right). This short not only holds you in with their powermesh but has additional boning to prevent the waistband from rolling.

Another fabulous product and alternative to shaping slips are the Spanx stockings and patterned tights. Not only do they hold the tummy in and the bottom up, but they also come in a bevy of festive colors and prints — perfect for the holidays.

Create a waist: Cinch your middle

Belts are a great way to define a waist and create yet another slimming illusion. I suggest belting the waist at the smallest point (generally right at or above the belly button). Choose a belt that suits your body type and frame. Not everyone looks good in a thin belt. In fact, generally a wider style will have a greater slimming effect. Don’t have a belt but want to accent your waist? Try a piece of grosgrain ribbon! Tie it in a bow at your side or in the back and you will have a perfectly festive waistline.

Choose a color

Look five pounds lighter by dressing in a single color. The trick here is creating a vertical line and drawing the eye up. Try matching your skirt, top, stockings and shoes (note: Consider carefully if you go with opaque tights or a sheer colored stocking). The effect will be modern, monochromatic, streamlined and slim. Kick things up a notch and look 10 pounds slimmer by dressing in black. Remember black doesn’t have to be boring — add a sequin cardigan, foxy shoe, statement necklace and bag!

Pro (portion) control! Choose silhouettes that are balanced

Bootleg jeans are surprisingly flattering on most body types. Choose a dark wash and mid-rise style that sits on your waist. Pair jeans with a heel or boot, longish blouse and a cropped fitted jacket that nips at the waist. This will give the illusion of long legs and a tiny middle.

Party peplum

Peplums can have a slimming effect and are GREAT for masking a tummy and accentuating a small waist. Whatever you pair with the peplum should be streamlined to accent your shape. Check out my October article for more tips on how to rock the peplum look.

You can find me at the gym on Jan. 1, but until then, be confident, be beautiful and happy holidays!